Run # 11 - Time of Day Difference

For the first time since I started, I decided to duplicate a run from the previous day. The time of day difference was key here as I noticed I felt better running after dinner as opposed to before it. I had much more energy and I took nearly 40 seconds off my time. I never really felt like quitting on this run, although I did slow down. I could have easily skipped today's run without a second thought if I didn't plan this streak, but I was glad I did it when I finished.

Run # 10 - Passing the Elderly

I tried to run fast and furious (by my standards) as I had a dinner to get to. I decided I had just enough time to run 2 miles. My motivation was up slightly, the sun was going down, and I felt generally good. The first mile was quick and I felt great. I waved at an elderly lady who was walking by me. She smiled and looked almost as if she was proud of me for running past her.

I silently celebrated when I kept the streak alive. I turned around after the first mile and was on my way home when I started to really lose interest. I began to slow down and wondered why I felt drained after 1.2 miles. Then off in the distance I saw the lady I passed. It was at this point I simply knew I had to lap her. If I gave up and started to walk, I'm not sure I would ever forgive myself. So I started to pick up the pace again and before I realized it I was almost home. I passed an apartment complex by my house where 3 girls were out on their balcony smoking cigarettes. I felt somewhat inspired by that as they looked at me in awe. It was then I realized I'd run pretty fast (closer to 8 minute miles than I typically get) and I was huffing and puffing like I'd just climbed a mountain in that amount of time. I concluded they felt sorry for me.

Run # 9

I had all intentions of waiting until it was cooler at night to run today, but when you set a goal to run every day, you do it whenever the best time to do it is. I didn't run nearly as fast as the results say I do but I did sprint at times. I started walking after about 2.3 miles or so and I ran/walked all the way home.

The thing that really sucks about running every day is that you have to do it every day. I didn't really feel like running the whole time so I didn't. That bothers me but I am trying to temper myself so I don't give up.

Tomorrow will be my 10th run in 10 days and that will be the record for me. Only 355 to go.

Run # 8 - The Off Day

If there was an off day allowed for the streak, I would have taken one today. The definition of off day is pretty much doing the minimum - at least one mile of continuous running.

I did two separate runs on each side of Lifetime Fitness. The first run was a lot easier because I took advantage of running downhill. Unfortunately to get home I had to run uphill. I started to walk home, but I got too bored. I felt like I ran fast on the way home, but not until the very end, at which point I was thirsty and exhausted.

The song that I replayed again and again tonight was "Bullets" by Vega4.

Run # 7 - Schlitz Beer

Do I whine a lot about running in the heat? Yes. I'm not sure why I do it. Anyway, today was ridiculously hot and as a result I ran pretty damn slow. I've completed 7 consecutive days now and I noticed I'm starting to become addicted to this. I was actually excited to get this one over with. Chuck and I ran again together and he noticed a can of Schlitz beer on the canal. That was about the only interesting thing we saw during this one, other than a guy running who was wearing a HOODED SWEATSHIRT. It had to be at least 100 out there but this guy smiled and waved as he trotted by. I also believe I saw him throw a few punches into the air as if he was preparing for tonight's UFC fight.

Run # 6 - Life is Beautiful

I talked to my friend Derek right before this run and he was telling me about his previous night of getting loaded and listening to a band called Vega4. So while we are on the phone I download their song "Life is Beautiful" and decide I'll listen to it when I head out. So I do, and its awesome, that is if you like the kind of music I do - the kind that makes you run fast even when you should probably take it a bit easier in 100 degree heat. The trouble is its so fucking hot outside at this hour.

As soon as I get home I get another call from Derek who tells me I need to download the song "Life is Beautiful" by Vega4. While I listen to his message, the song is playing on my mp3 player again.

Run # 5 - A Kindergartener's Nine

Day # 5 and I had no intention in running in the shape of a 9. I just wanted to do 2.4 miles in order to get to 15 for the week. So I just ran around the neighborhood and realized I could pull off a 9. Perhaps some day I'll try an 8. For now I'm just happy to be nearing one full week of consecutive running. I think my previous record was 9 or 10 consecutive days so I'm close to shattering that.

Run # 4 - The Sperm Run

This one should probably really be titled The Humpback Sperm Run because the sperm appears to have a hump near its tail. I have to give credit to my friend Chuck Settles for the title, because he ran with me on this one and noticed the shape of the route we took. It was by no means a difficult run, but Chuck and I agreed we thought we were running faster than we actually were. I guess we just run what we deem to be slow, but it will be interesting to see if the pace picks up once I do a longer run.

If there was a highlight to this run, or lowlight for that matter, it was probably when I ran into a fishing rod that belonged to a guy who was fishing in the pond we ran around to form the head of the sperm. I said sorry but he looked pretty pissed off. Chuck mentioned after the run that he felt most people at the pond were pissed off to see us running and he said he didn't particularly like that portion. Several loud duck noises were heard throughout this one, and Chuck seemed pretty relieved each time.

Number 5 tomorrow.

I also found the organization I am applying to join: USRSA. The record for consecutive days running is held by the group's honorary chairman, Mark Covert. Over 14,000 days and counting! Unreal.

Run # 3 - Technology Fails Me

This was the longest run I've done since I've started recording them all on my cell phone and posting them to this blog. So it was quite depressing when upon the finish I looked at my phone to see how I did. The result? I apparently ran 17.86 miles in 36 minutes and 35 seconds. An average of 2.02 min/mile. Apparently I was running at the speed my Grandpa used to drive me to grade school in his old Dodge.

Technology failed me on this run, but luckily it was one I've done many times. And by many I mean about 10 other times. So I used Bones In Motion to manually enter and map the entire route, and it turns out I couldn't get under 9 minutes per mile even though I felt like I was running faster than that. There's always tomorrow though, and the 362 that are left in my quest.

In the meantime, here is a cool website I'm checking out: Go.Run.Easy.

Run # 2

This one took place right after work today. Downtown Phoenix. It's clear I had no idea where I was going or how far I wanted to run. I took no water with me, which was a big mistake. I ran around aimlessly for a while, along the path of the future light rail, and past a downtown Phoenix landmark I never realized was so close to where I am almost everyday: Matt's Big Breakfast.

I almost got hit by a Valley Metro bus, and I was suprised at the number of people out walking their pets. It was actually cooler than I thought it was going to be, but it was still hot enough for me to struggle somewhat and feel like I was dying of thirst by the end.

Run # 1

Above is the first run I just completed. Its all recorded on my cell phone and then uploaded to bimactive.com.

Even at 10 PM, its still almost 90 degrees outside and it actually felt cool.

Only 364 more to go.

BiM Active

BiM Active

What Are We Running Away From? | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

What Are We Running Away From? The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Today is May 20th

Today is my 27th birthday.

I want to run everyday from now until my 28th birthday.

So I'm going to keep this blog about how well I do.